There are 6 NBN speed tiers to choose from. How much you pay for internet will depend on the tier you pick. The faster the speeds, the more you'll pay. For most people, the sweet spots are NBN 50 (2-3 people) and NBN 100 (3-4 people or heavy internet users).
Look at the monthly price of each NBN plan and compare typical evening speeds. Try to get a plan with a typical speed that's close to the maximum available on the tier. For example, the maximum typical evening speed on an NBN 50 plan will be 50Mbps, NBN 100 is 100Mbps.
Unlimited data NBN plans have become the norm and don't cost a lot more than a data-capped plan. You're looking at a $5 to $10 a month difference at most. Most providers offering capped internet won't charge you extra if you go over your monthly limit, and will instead slow down your speed to 128Kbps (warning though, this isn't fast at all).
Month-to-month NBN plans with no lock-in contract can offer the flexibility of switching quickly. If you sign up for a contracted plan, make sure you're getting something in return, such as a free modem.
Most of us may be happy with just fast, reliable internet, but you can also find NBN plans with a couple of extras thrown in. This includes NBN and mobile bundles, internet and energy bundles, access to cheaper streaming subscriptions and the option to add phone calls to your plan.
"I had no idea what to look for in an NBN plan, but with a family of 5, I knew we needed a big plan. I ended up bundling my NBN 100 plan with my mobile plan, my iPhone and my daughter's phone plan, and we now pay $210 a month for all of it – much cheaper than paying for each one seperately."
TPG knocked it out of the park for its competitive pricing and 50Mbps typical evening speed, which is the maximum speed available in this category. You can also sign up for its 6-month NBN 50 plan if you want a modem for $0 and use the live chat feature for support.
SpinTel's NBN 100 plan is one of the cheapest around and offers a typical speed of 100Mbps (the maximum available on this speed tier). Together with its well-priced plan, you'll get access to multiple support channels including phone, live chat and WhatsApp or Messenger.
Exetel came out on top for value. Its NBN 25 plan, also known as Exetel NBN Everyday, is the cheapest one on offer from the provider and comes with 25Mbps typical evening speeds, the maximum you can get on this speed tier. Plus, we've already established it's one of the more reliable providers around so you know you're getting your money's worth.
Aussie Broadband ranked first place for customer satisfaction in 2023. In our survey conducted by Dynata, 91% of respondents said they would recommend Aussie to a friend. It scored the highest from 10 providers for overall satisfaction.
This is probably the most important question to consider when comparing NBN plans. You want to find the right NBN speed for your online activities and household size, and the speed will also affect the price of your NBN plan.
Most Australians are on an NBN 50 plan, according to the ACCC. However, NBN 100 plans are expected to rise in popularity soon with prices for faster NBN plans dropping in the new year.
Here's a full breakdown to help you understand the right speed tier for you:
Maximum 12Mbps download speed, maximum 1Mbps upload speed
Maximum 25Mbps download speed, maximum 10Mbps upload speed
Maximum 50Mbps download speed, maximum 20Mbps upload speed
Maximum 100Mbps download speed, maximum 40Mbps upload speed
Maximum 250Mbps download speed, maximum 100Mbps upload speed
Maximum 1000Mbps download speed, maximum 50Mbps upload speed
Typical evening speeds (or typical download speeds) refer to the speed you can expect to receive during busy hours of the day between 7-11pm. This is the most realistic speed you'll get on your plan, as you can assume speeds outside of these busier hours will be faster (since less people are online).
Each month, our team of experts review the latest NBN deals and select their top picks for the best NBN plans. Here's a few favourites from this month:
| Provider | Plan | Offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best cheap: Tangerine NBN Value | $47.90 a month for the first 6 months, then $67.90 a month | |
 | Best for everyday use: Kogan NBN Silver | $58.90 a month for the first 3 months, then $68.90 a month | |
| Best for fast speeds: Tangerine NBN Speedy | $65.90 a month for the first 6 months, then $85.90 a month | |
 | Best for $0 modem: TPG NBN100 6 Month | $79.99 a month for the first 6 months, then $89.99 a month |
There are also a few things to consider to avoid being blindsided when signing up to a new NBN plan:
Don't miss out on discounted NBN plans and exclusive deals only available via Finder.
| Store | Discount | |
|---|---|---|
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Save up to $150 over 6 months with exclusive deal from Swoop Get up to $25 off per month for 6 months on selected Swoop NBN plans. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Last verified |
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Save up to $120 over 6 months with Tangerine Get up to $20 off per month for 6 months on selected Tangerine NBN plans. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Last verified |
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Save up to $60 over 6 months with Buddy Telco Get up to $10 off per month for 6 months on a selected Buddy Telco NBN plan. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Last verified |
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Commbank customers save up to $27 per month for 12 months with More NBN Save up to $324 over a year when you sign up to More and you're already with Commonwealth bank. Last verified |
Deal ends |
How much should I be spending on broadband?
Ausralians spend on average $78 per month on broadband, according to our consumer sentiment tracker. If you're paying more than that, it could be worth switching.
Compare NBN plans best suited to your budget and speed requirements. You can use filters on our comparison table to narrow down your search and even input your address to find a plan tailored to the NBN connection type at your premises.
Select the date you want your new plan to be activated and add on a modem to be delivered if you need one. Finalise the sign-up process and let the provider take care of the rest.
Give your current provider a heads up (usually over the phone), especially if their T&Cs state a notice period. You can add a cancellation date for your current plan to line up with the activation date of your new one so you're not stuck paying 2 bills.
Before you sign up to your new NBN plan, consider ringing up your current provider to let them know you're looking to cancel your plan within the next month. Sometimes your provider will offer you a promotional discount for a further 6 months to keep you on.
The ACCC's Broadband Performance report, released every quarter, gives you a glimpse into how reliable the top NBN providers are in Australia.
Reliability is based on how frequently providers achieve the typical evening speeds they advertise.
Ideally, you want your NBN provider to be as close to hitting 100% of its advertised typical evening speed as possible, because this means you're actually getting the correct speeds you've signed up for.
Have a look at who's topped the chart in the most recent report from September 2024.
| Rank | Provider | Percentage of max download speeds achieved |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exetel | 102.5% |
| 2 | Telstra | 102.3% |
| 3 | Optus | 101.6% |
| 4 | Superloop | 101.6% |
| 5 | Dodo and iPrimus | 101.1% |
Find the full list of rankings and more details on how the ACCC's methodology works in our guide to the fastest NBN providers.
Besides your monthly NBN plan cost, there may be a few other costs to consider when you first sign up to your new plan:
Plenty of providers give you the option to BYO modem with your NBN plan. This helps you save on your upfront cost when switching plans, but you'll want to double-check that your current modem is compatible with the provider you plan to switch to.
If you've had your modem for 5 or more years, it might be time to upgrade to a new one when you switch plans. Old modems may cause slower speeds which can cause buffering or lagging in your connection.
If you decide you do want a new modem, there are a couple of options that providers offer:
Most NBN plans come with a standard modem (or router), but others may come with a Wi-Fi extender or 4G backup modem.
The NBN connection type at your address will determine what NBN plans you get access to. Not sure what you've got? You can check via our NBN tracker map.
FTTP is the fastest and arguably the best NBN connection type available. Your home will be directly connected to the closest NBN node via a fibre optic cable.
FTTN is the slowest fixed connection type available and uses existing copper wiring to connect to an NBN node in the neighbourhood.
HFC is similar to FTTN except coaxial cables make up the distance to the node instead of a copper wire, meaning you can access faster speeds.
FTTC is similar to FTTN as it uses the same copper cable network. Fibre optic cables are run to a node in a telecom pit on the street outside a property.
FTTB is primarily available to apartment dwellers. Fibre optic cables run to the basement of the building, with copper wiring connecting each unit.
Fixed wireless uses an antenna installed on your roof to exchange signals with a nearby signal tower. Speeds are capped at around 75Mbps but can fluctuate.
Satellite NBN (also known as Sky Muster) is used primarily in rural or regional Australia. Speeds are capped at 100 Mbps and more prone to interference.
Eligible households with FTTN or FTTC connections can now access faster and more reliable internet by upgrading to an FTTP connection.
Pop in your address on the NBN's website to see if your property is eligible for the upgrade.
Once you've confirmed your home is on the list, you'll need to sign up for an NBN 100 plan or faster to trigger the upgrade. This will especially benefit people working from home or households of 4 or above that are logged on simultaneously.
There are a couple of NBN alternatives if it's been giving you trouble or you can't access it just yet. This includes:
Home wireless broadband: This allows you to connect to the internet using either the 4G or 5G mobile network. There's no installation required but you will need to purchase your provider's modem to access their home wireless service. Keep in mind that you will only be able to sign up for a 5G home internet plan if your property gets 5G coverage.
Mobile broadband: This is another wireless internet solution that uses the 4G/3G or 5G mobile network. Options for mobile broadband include data-only SIMs, USB modems and pocket Wi-Fi. This option is better suited to frequent travellers or anyone that needs internet access on the move.
We're internet addicts. We review every offer, every GB, every plan, every month. Yep, our data usage is bonkers, but it's worth it.
Obsessed with offers. Whether you're looking for basic or ultra fast NBN, we'll bring you hundreds of plan options. Sure, you could go website to website and find them yourself. Or, you could let us nerd out for you - so you can see them live, 24/7.
No mark ups. You get the same rates as going direct, heck sometimes you even score better as we put in the yards to bring you exclusive offers.
| NBN | Stands for National Broadband Network |
| NBN Co | The organisation established by the Commonwealth Government in 2009 to build and operate a wholesale broadband network in Australia. |
| Typical evening speeds | Download speeds your NBN plan can achieve during the busy hours of the day (7-11pm) when most people are online at the same time. This is usually advertised by most NBN providers on their plans. |
| Speed tier | Speed tiers are different speed categories set by NBN Co, with maximum download and upload speeds that can be expected on each one. |
| Download speed | This determines how quickly you can download data from the internet to your computer such as images, files, audio and text. A good download speed will ensure you have a seamless experience such as when you're browsing the web, streaming video or listening to music. |
| Upload speed | This determines how quickly you can send data to the server from your computer. Upload speeds are important for when you're uploading files such as photos and videos, having video calls or sending emails. |
| Maximum speed | This determines the fastest download speed you can achieve on any speed tier. For example, the maximum speed on an NBN 50 plan is 50Mbps. |
| Mbps | This stands for megabits per second. It's a measure of internet download and upload speeds. |
| ISP | Stands for Internet Service Provider and refers to the company that's offering you internet service. |
| BYO modem | BYO stands for 'bring your own'. You will come across BYO modem as a feature on some NBN plans. It implies you don't have to buy a new one from the provider you're switching to as long as the one you have is compatible. |
| Month-to-month | This means your plan is not locked into a contract and you're paying each month with the option to leave whenever you want. (Keep in mind that notice periods may still apply) |
| Minimum total cost | This is the minimum amount that you'll pay to sign up to a provider. It's normally equal to 1 month's plan fee plus any other mandatory upfront costs that are non refundable. |
Learn which NBN speed tier might be the right fit for your household.
Can’t connect to the NBN or dealing with poor speeds and dropouts? Check out NBN alternatives such as home wireless broadband instead.
Get the fastest internet available in Australia from providers like Telstra, Optus, TPG and more.
NBN 250 is the second-fastest speed tier, ideal for large households with heavy internet users.
Our nerds (sorry, experts) go through hundreds of offers every month to bring you the best NBN plans around.
NBN 100 plans are good large households, as well as enthusiastic gamers or streamers.
Cut down on your Internet bill with these cheap NBN plans for under $50.
Living in rural or regional Australia and need fast Internet? NBN fixed wireless uses radio signals to get you online.
FTTP, or Fibre to the Premises, uses fibre optic cables to deliver the fastest NBN speeds available.
We’ll help you get your NBN connection up and running in no time.
FINDER40 code is not working in SWOOP
Hi Kate, FINDER40 is for Swoop’s NBN 250 plan. Which NBN speed are you opting for? You can try FINDER15 for NBN 25 and NBN 50, or FINDER25 for Swoop’s NBN 100 plans. Hope this helps!
I am an AGL electricity customer. I have my NBN connection at present with Telstra.
If I transfer can I keep my bigpond email address?
Hi Peter,
You can keep your bigpond address after closing your Telstra account, but you have to let them know when you do so. It’s free to keep for the first 12 months after you cease to be a Telstra customer. After that, it’s $79 a year.
You can find more info here: https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/help/pdf/cis-personal/broadband/personal-critical-information-summary-paid-email.pdf
Hope this helps.
I need to get rid of 2 to 4 NBN recorded calls each day they are driving us mad.
Hi Allan,
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about your current situation with your NBN provider. While we review NBN in our pages, it’s helpful to know that we neither work with them or answer for their company. It would be best to contact the customer service support of NBN directly for further assistance.
Hope this clarifies and we hope they find a quick resolution for you!
With care,
Nikki
Hi, is there a hidden cost of $300 to be payed for the nbn
Hi Michael,
Thanks for getting in touch! I understand you want to get the full disclosure of NBN costs. Kindly note that while we have a review and comparison page for NBN providers, we don’t work with them directly. It would be best to reach out to your chosen NBN provider to check the net costs of using their service.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Cheers,
Nikki
I have nbn connected but I was not consulted about the location of te internet access point in the house and would like it changed. How do I organise someone to change the access point. (I live in Somerton Park, Adelaide.
Hi Ian,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
In that case, you’ll need to contact the representative who installed your NBN connection. You may also directly reach out to NBN so they can refer you to an agent.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Faye